ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

Silk and velvet, light and love, natural and nuanced. These are among the indelible impressions of English singer/songwriter Tobiah. Her stories are as pure and genuine as the angelic voice that carries them, resolving pain and anguish into hope and strength, and in a way that everyone 'gets'. Whether heard recorded or live, "Someone always cries.”

Manchester-born Tobiah was advised in her early teens to trade in the family piano for a guitar. Just two months later, at age 14, she performed the first of what would become a catalogue of over 100 songs. She later caught the attention of manager Brian Freshwater (Joss Stone, Foy Vance, and award-winning writers Mick Leeson and Peter Vale). Tobiah continued performing and developing her unique style which found her signing to Chrysalis Music and working with a host of talents including Egyptian percussionist Hossam Ramzy, Rod Argent, and Derek Bramble of Heatwave and American Idol fame. Her first single, Hope in America, reached number one on many UK radio stations, heralding a period of songwriting for US artists, including Will Smith. But when the trends shifted away from acoustic and towards electronic, Tobiah stayed true and took to producing the music herself.

Her first semi-acoustic album, Step Up (2011), is an intimate collection of 13 beautiful songs celebrating the power of endurance and the triumph of love. Recorded in her own studio overlooking the beautiful South Downs and mastered in America, Step Up showcases the rich and delicate textures of Tobiah’s distinctive voice. Tragically widowed at 26, Tobiah understands the pain of loss and the joy of love; her solid melodies, ethereal harmonies and perceptive, honest lyrics portraying strength and vulnerability have connected with an ever-growing fan base around the world. “I had to face the past and, in doing so, I realised that the songs weren’t sad songs about loss, but affirmations of love.”

“Such a beautiful, natural voice, Step Up is a great expression of love and the commitment of her heart.” --Kenneth Hope, Fragile Earth

“Tobiah's music is beautiful, light, filled with meaning, symbol and personal revelation.” --Baruch Zeichner, host of Paradigms on WBKM.org

“The UK must be a proud nation today. Tobiah is taking the world hostage and we don't want her to let us go.” --Indie Showcase

“The peace and beauty of the songs, those silken vocals and immaculate harmonies, this is much needed acoustic sunshine.” --Tony Seaton, Flatwound and Fretless

“I love her voice. All those nuances just makes me want to purr.” --Ethan Welles

“Silken and enthralling vocals with lyrics that artfully cut to the bone.” --Future Primal Arts

"Step Up" is a brilliant CD by Tobiah Thomas. All 13 songs are written by Tobiah and are written with complete skill and Love. Her amazing crystal clear & stellar voice is beautiful and done with great clarity. Her command of the instruments is most brilliant.

It is so hard to pick which one of the 13 songs is a favorite because they are all written, sang and played with stellar skills. Each song tells a story and I know almost all of the stories since Tobie is my beautiful friend. Listen carefully as the words are beautiful. I absolutely Love, "I See You Naked", "The Smile', "I X Myself", "The Smile", & "Under The Olives".

Tobiah is an amazing artist and beautiful lady and one can't go wrong by having "Step Up" in their collection of musical CD's. Now I am waiting for CD number two.

I had the honor of being able to listen to this CD before it was out in stores. I have to say that Tobiah blew me away. The music touched both my heart and soul. She has the voice of an angel. My favorite song was Make Me Strong. Tobiah not only sings but she writes and plays the music. All that talent rolled into one amazing artist. I am looking forward to her next CD. Step Up is a must have to any music lover.

If there has been any one artist who has taken the eye and ear of listeners recently, it has been Tobiah. Tobiah holds the heart of every person who hears her. Her pure strong vocals will leave you simply breathless and her songwriting skills shine throughout the entire album, marking the emotions and life journeys of us all. The UK must be a proud nation today. Tobiah is taking the world hostage and we don't want her to let us go. This is a very generous album containing 13 tracks, each one as good as the one before. This gorgeous lady has the voice of an angel and lyrics any artist would kill for.